Deuteronomy 10:5

KJV

And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I turned {H6437} myself and came down {H3381} from the mount {H2022}, and put {H7760} the tables {H3871} in the ark {H727} which I had made {H6213}; and there they be, as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I turned, came down the mountain and put the tablets in the ark I had made; and there they remain; as ADONAI ordered me.

Berean Standard Bible

and I went back down the mountain and placed the tablets in the ark I had made, as the LORD had commanded me; and there they have remained.

American Standard Version

And I turned and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they are as Jehovah commanded me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 10:5 captures a crucial moment in Israel's wilderness journey, as Moses recounts his obedient act of placing the second set of the Ten Commandments within a specially constructed ark. This verse underscores God's meticulous command for the preservation of His sacred law, symbolizing His enduring covenant faithfulness despite Israel's rebellion, and highlighting the centrality of His word to the nation's identity and future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into the Promised Land. Moses is not introducing new laws here but is rather recapitulating Israel's history with God, emphasizing key events, divine commands, and the consequences of obedience and disobedience. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 10:1-11](/deuteronomy/10-1-11 "Deuteronomy 10:1-11 - Moses recounts God's commands for new tablets and the ark") details God's gracious provision of a second set of tablets following the catastrophic golden calf incident, which had led to the breaking of the first tablets (recounted in [Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses breaks the tablets")). Moses' recounting serves as both a reminder of God's mercy and a call to renewed covenant fidelity for a new generation poised to inherit the land. The immediate verses, [Deuteronomy 10:1-4](/deuteronomy/10-1-4 "Deuteronomy 10:1-4 - God commands new tablets and an ark") describe God's instruction to Moses to hew new stone tablets and to make a wooden ark to house them, setting the stage for the fulfillment of that command in verse 5.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, a period marked by divine provision, covenant formation, and repeated rebellion. The incident of the golden calf (recorded in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")) was a profound breach of the covenant, demonstrating Israel's propensity for idolatry even immediately after receiving God's law. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, treaties and covenants were often memorialized by written documents placed in sacred repositories within temples, symbolizing their importance and the presence of the deity. The act of placing the tablets in an ark, therefore, resonated with a common cultural practice but was elevated by its divine origin and the unique nature of Israel's covenant with Yahweh. This ark, though initially a simple wooden chest made by Moses, served as a precursor to the more elaborate [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant") constructed later, which became the central cultic object in Israel's worship, symbolizing God's presence and the enduring nature of His law.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 10:5](/deuteronomy/10-5 "Deuteronomy 10:5 - Moses places the tablets in the ark") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Forgiveness and Restoration**. Despite Israel's egregious sin with the golden calf, God, in His boundless mercy, did not abandon His people but initiated a path to covenant renewal by commanding new tablets. This act of grace underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when they fail. Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Command and Human Obedience**. Moses' explicit statement, "as the LORD commanded me," emphasizes his faithful execution of God's precise instructions. This obedience is presented as the proper human response to divine grace and is foundational to Israel's relationship with Yahweh, a theme reiterated throughout the book of Deuteronomy as a condition for blessing in the Promised Land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). Finally, the verse underscores the **Sacredness and Preservation of God's Law**. The careful placement of the tablets in the ark signifies the immense value and enduring authority of God's word. The ark itself became the central repository of the Law, serving as a tangible reminder of God's presence and the foundational principles governing Israel's life, worship, and identity, reinforcing the idea that God's word is to be cherished and guarded (as seen in [Psalm 119:11](/psalm/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark (Hebrew, אָרוֹן, _ʼârôwn_):** This term refers to a chest or box. In this context, it specifically denotes the temporary wooden chest Moses constructed at God's command to house the second set of tablets. Unlike the later, more ornate Ark of the Covenant described in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and Ark"), this initial "ark which I had made" (as Moses states) was simpler, serving an immediate, functional purpose. Its significance lies not in its material splendor but in its sacred contents and divine purpose: to preserve God's direct revelation. The progression from a simple wooden ark to the gold-covered Ark of the Covenant highlights the increasing sanctification and centrality of God's presence and law within Israel's developing worship.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, צָוָה, _tsâvâh_):** This verb signifies a divine imperative, a direct and authoritative instruction from God. The phrase "as the LORD commanded me" is a recurring motif in Moses' recounting and throughout the Pentateuch, emphasizing the divine origin of the law and the necessity of human obedience. It underscores that Moses' actions were not arbitrary but were a faithful execution of God's sovereign will, establishing a pattern of submission to divine authority for all Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I turned myself and came down from the mount,"**: This clause refers to Moses' descent from Mount Horeb (Sinai) after receiving the second set of tablets. The "turning" signifies a deliberate action, a physical reorientation from the divine presence on the mountain back to the people below. This descent marks the culmination of a period of intense communion with God, during which the covenant was renewed and the law re-inscribed, symbolizing God's willingness to re-engage with His rebellious people.
* **"and put the tables in the ark which I had made;"**: This is the central action of the verse. Moses, having hewn the new tablets and constructed the wooden ark as commanded by God in [Deuteronomy 10:1-3](/deuteronomy/10-1-3 "Deuteronomy 10:1-3 - God's command to make new tablets and an ark"), now fulfills the command to deposit the sacred law within this designated vessel. The act of "putting" (שׂוּם, _sûwm_) implies a careful, deliberate placement, underscoring the reverence due to God's word. The ark, though temporary, immediately became the sacred repository, ensuring the physical preservation and symbolic centrality of the Ten Commandments.
* **"and there they be, as the LORD commanded me."**: This concluding phrase serves as a powerful affirmation of Moses' obedience and the enduring presence of God's law. The phrase "there they be" (וַיִּהְיוּ שָׁם, _vayihyu sham_) confirms the continued existence and accessibility of the tablets within the ark, underscoring their permanent significance for Israel. The final declaration, "as the LORD commanded me," reiterates the divine authority behind the entire process and validates Moses' faithful execution of God's will, emphasizing that the entire arrangement was divinely ordained, not humanly conceived.

#### Literary Devices
[Deuteronomy 10:5](/deuteronomy/10-5 "Deuteronomy 10:5 - Moses places the tablets in the ark") employs several significant literary devices. **Recapitulation** is central, as Moses is recounting past events to a new generation, reinforcing the historical continuity of God's covenant with Israel. This serves a pedagogical purpose, reminding the people of God's faithfulness and their obligations. The phrase "as the LORD commanded me" functions as a form of **Emphasis** and **Repetition**, appearing multiple times in this immediate context ([Deuteronomy 10:4](/deuteronomy/10-4 "Deuteronomy 10:4 - God writes the Ten Commandments again"), [Deuteronomy 10:8](/deuteronomy/10-8 "Deuteronomy 10:8 - The Levites are set apart as commanded")) to underscore divine authority and Moses' unwavering obedience. This repetition instills in the audience the paramount importance of adhering to God's instructions. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the verse. The tablets themselves are symbols of God's direct revelation and the covenant relationship. The ark, even in its simpler form, symbolizes God's presence, the sacredness of His word, and His commitment to preserving His law among His people. The act of placing the tablets within the ark is a symbolic gesture of safeguarding the foundational principles of Israel's faith and identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 10:5 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding commitment to His covenant with Israel, even in the face of their profound failure. The provision of a second set of tablets, housed in an ark, is a powerful testament to God's restorative grace and His desire to maintain a relationship with His people. It demonstrates that God's faithfulness is not contingent upon human perfection but is rooted in His own character and sovereign will. This act of divine initiative in renewing the covenant underscores that salvation and restoration originate solely from God's mercy. The preservation of the law within the ark further emphasizes the enduring nature and absolute authority of God's word, which remains the unchanging standard for life and worship. It teaches that God's commands are not transient but are foundational for a thriving relationship with Him and for the flourishing of His people.

* [Exodus 34:10](/exodus/34-10 "God renews the covenant")
* [Psalm 119:89](/psalm/119-89 "God's Word is forever settled in heaven")
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 10:5 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of God's incredible patience and restorative power. Just as God gave Israel a second chance after their grievous sin, He continually extends grace and new opportunities to us through Christ. Our past failures do not define our future; rather, God's mercy invites us to renewed obedience and a deeper relationship with Him. This verse also underscores the supreme value of God's Word. The meticulous care taken to preserve the tablets in the ark should inspire us to hold the Bible in the highest esteem, making it central to our lives, our families, and our communities. It is not merely a historical document but a living and active guide, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Our obedience, like Moses', should be a heartfelt response to God's unfathomable grace, not a burdensome duty, but a joyful expression of our love and gratitude for His enduring faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's willingness to give Israel a "second chance" with the tablets encourage you in areas where you have failed or fallen short?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate a greater reverence for God's Word in your daily life, mirroring the sacred preservation of the tablets in the ark?**
* **How does understanding God's grace in restoring the covenant motivate your own obedience and commitment to His commands?**
* **What does the phrase "as the LORD commanded me" teach you about the nature of true spiritual leadership and discipleship?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between the ark Moses made and the Ark of the Covenant?**

Answer: [Deuteronomy 10:5](/deuteronomy/10-5 "Deuteronomy 10:5 - Moses places the tablets in the ark") refers to a temporary, simple wooden ark that Moses himself constructed at God's immediate command (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 10:1-3](/deuteronomy/10-1-3 "Deuteronomy 10:1-3 - God commands Moses to make a wooden ark")). This ark was made specifically and quickly to house the second set of stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. It served as an immediate, functional repository for the sacred law. In contrast, the more famous Ark of the Covenant, described in meticulous detail in [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10-22 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Detailed instructions for the Ark of the Covenant"), was a much more elaborate, gold-covered chest, constructed later by skilled craftsmen like Bezalel as part of the Tabernacle's furnishings. This permanent Ark of the Covenant became the central symbol of God's presence among His people, serving as the mercy seat and the ultimate dwelling place for the tablets of the Law. Moses' ark was a provisional measure, while the Ark of the Covenant was the divinely designed, enduring centerpiece of Israel's worship and national identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Deuteronomy 10:5](/deuteronomy/10-5 "Deuteronomy 10:5 - Moses places the tablets in the ark"), with its emphasis on the preservation of God's law in the ark and God's gracious renewal of the covenant, finds profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The stone tablets, though sacred, represented a covenant that Israel continually broke, revealing humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's righteous demands. Jesus, however, is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law, not by abolishing it, but by perfectly embodying and upholding its every command ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus fulfills the Law")). He is the true "ark" in whom the fullness of God's presence dwells ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily")), and through whom God's law is not merely preserved on stone but is written upon the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit, ushering in the New Covenant prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant written on hearts") and established through His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Jesus' blood")). Just as God graciously provided a second set of tablets after Israel's failure, Christ's death and resurrection provide the ultimate "second chance" for humanity, offering complete forgiveness and reconciliation, making us new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New creation in Christ")). He is the obedient Lamb of God, whose perfect obedience accomplishes what the law on stone could not, bringing us into a living, restored relationship with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 40:20

And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:

Exodus 34:29

And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

Exodus 25:16

And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.

Exodus 32:15

¶ And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony [were] in his hand: the tables [were] written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other [were] they written.

Deuteronomy 9:15

So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant [were] in my two hands.

Joshua 4:9

And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.

Deuteronomy 10:2

And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.